How to choose a bike for growth for men, women and children - expert opinions

The fashion for a healthy lifestyle in recent years has swept the entire world and has contributed to the rapid growth in sales of sports equipment and equipment. Bicycles have not bypassed popularity - this compact, convenient and environmentally friendly transport is preferred by more and more people, it is used to get to work and solve everyday issues, it is often replaced by a car. But in order to feel the maximum effect and benefit from pokatushek and training, you must pay close attention to the selection of the bike, its main characteristics and mechanisms.

how to choose a bike

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The best bicycle manufacturers - which company to choose
Bicycle types
Bike selection options
Which bike to choose?
How much does a bike cost?
Bike selection video

The best bicycle manufacturers - which company to choose

As in the case of automobiles, there are currently a great many different manufacturers of bicycles in the world, each of which has many models for every taste and at any price budget. It is the latter that in many cases plays a decisive role when choosing a bike - high-quality, branded products are very expensive. In general, when choosing a specific model of a bicycle, the following brands should be given preference:

Giant
Forward
Shimano
Gt bicycles
Shtil

Each of the above manufacturers has in its own catalog a large number of different models for every taste - there really is a choice from which! Before buying the bike you like, it is best to study customer reviews, taking into account both laudatory and negative posts on the Internet.

The principle of operation and device bike

The design of bicycles and the basic principle of their work are well known to everyone, and therefore long descriptions are not required. Any bike, regardless of its price range and design, consists of several key elements:

Frame. It has a welded construction and is made of durable metal pipes. Magnesium alloys, aluminum, as well as other metals and their alloys are widely used to achieve certain characteristics. The lower part of the frame is equipped with a special carriage that fixes the pedal assembly. It is he who drives the gear gear, which, through a chain, transmits torque to the rear wheel;
The steering unit also consists of several key elements. In the upper part, there is the steering wheel itself, with brake handles attached to it, gear change mechanisms and other elements. At the bottom of the steering column forks and turns into a fork, designed to mount the front wheel.
A special place is occupied by the transmission mechanism.Far from all the models of bicycles are equipped with them, and it is pre-designed to change the gear ratio, which has a direct impact on the speed of the bike, as well as on the effort that must be applied to achieve a certain speed;

Bicycle types

Despite the generality of the design, the bicycles presented on sale have cardinal differences between themselves, and therefore, before choosing the appropriate option, it is necessary to determine the specific type of bicycle.

Mountain bikes

Powerful frame, wheels of increased diameter, equipped with off-road tires, productive pedals with a high position of the carriage - these are their main elements. Such bicycles are designed for use in harsh environments and for active movement over rough terrain.

Virtues

Powerful frame capable of withstanding significant dynamic loads;

Excellent cushioning properties;

High permeability;

Maximum stability in any mode of operation;

A large number of speeds for different modes of operation;

disadvantages

High price;

Not suitable for monotonous driving in urban environments;

Inconvenient saddle;

Universal (all-round)

all-round bikes

To some extent, all-round bikes can be considered versatile. Their design is very similar to mountain bikes in a somewhat simplified version, which makes it a very good option for both off-road rides and for city driving. They are distinguished by excellent performance, high traffic and the presence of high-quality components and assemblies.

Virtues

High uniformity - suitable for off-road pokatushek, and for driving on asphalt;

Allow installation of the trunk;

Low cost;

Excellent cushioning capabilities;

Durable and reliable frame design;

disadvantages

Limited functionality when operating on rough terrain;

Road bikes

Models that fully reveal their own characteristics when driving on good asphalt. Designed for movement at high speed, which contributes to high-quality lightweight frame, steering wheel, curved down, as well as large diameter wheels with fairly narrow tires.

Virtues

Low weight;

High-quality transmission, designed for high speed driving;

Speed and maneuverability devices;

Light and durable frame;

disadvantages

Hard and not comfortable enough;

Designed exclusively for road use;

City bikes

The simple and practical models intended for operation in the city mode. They have a well-thought-out design and provide a sufficiently high degree of comfort for the rider. Almost always equipped with a transmission that provides the ability to change gear ratios, depending on the load and driving mode.

Virtues

Compact devices designed for everyday use;

Low cost;

Wide wheels that provide a decent reel and good permeability;

Comfortable fit while driving;

Well-developed baggage abilities - suggest the presence of both the trunk and the basket for things in the front;

disadvantages

On most models, shock absorbers are missing as a class;

Insufficiently developed brake system;

Bike selection options

bike selection options

The frame design of the bike and its height

This parameter, according to experienced cyclists, is decisive - a correctly chosen frame of the right height ensures maximum comfort when driving in any mode.The height of the frame is taken from the carriage of the pedal assembly and to the cross intended for mounting the seat. This parameter is entirely linked to the length of the rider's legs, as well as to his height: the higher the rider, the higher the frame should be.

Frame material

The frame, made of stainless steel - the good old "grandfather's" version. Made of steel frame can be found on budget models of bicycles, it has decent strength and is able to withstand significant loads. The only drawback of the steel frame is the weight;
Aluminum frames can be considered to some extent the opposite of steel. They are lightweight, but aluminum structures cannot be called overly durable;
Frames made of magnesium, molybdenum and other alloys are strong enough and at the same time weigh quite a bit. Corrosion resistance, sufficient strength and low price are the main advantages of such frames;
Titanium and carbon frames are not suitable for everyone, primarily because of the exorbitant price. Otherwise, such frames have practically no flaws - they are very durable, almost weightless and able to withstand significant loads.

Bike weight

Traditionally, the lower the weight, the lower the mechanical strength of the bike. However, this does not apply to professional models - the use of modern materials has made it possible to achieve a minimum weight and decent strength. Traditionally it is believed that for everyday use the weight of the bike should be about 15-20 kilograms. If you like speed slalom and racing on the highway - you should prefer more lightweight, about 12-14 kilogram models.

Shock absorbers

By analogy with automobile, shock absorbers are designed to reduce shocks and vibrations transmitted from the wheel to the steering wheel and frame. For this purpose, four different types of design are provided, each of which has both advantages and disadvantages:

Spring shock absorbers are well known to many riders. Their main drawback is metal aging and a short service life as a result. Advantages - a lot: here and good depreciation, and low cost, and unpretentiousness in the care;
Oil dampers and their air-oil counterparts - a great option for pokatushek off-road. Represent a tank filled with special oil, which performs damping functions. The disadvantages include the tendency to leakage, as well as the limited weight and size characteristics of the rider - models with oil shock absorbers are not suitable for people heavier than 100-110 kilograms;
Air dampers - the lot of only urban bikes, not "seeing" off-road and dirt. When urban exploitation go long enough and provide excellent cushioning properties. And they can be customized to the weight of almost any person;

Brake system

Traditional foot brakes are the most common type of gear in the present. Stop the bike by pressing the pedals in the opposite direction. Simple and unpretentious in operation, but hardly able to provide decent braking performance during intensive operation;
V-brakes is a special wire mechanism, equipped with pads pressed against the rim with special calipers. They show their effectiveness only when the wheel rim is dry and smooth, and the pads are in good condition. Whimsical in operation, need regular replacement pads. One of the advantages is the low price and significant braking efficiency;
Disc brakes - both mechanical and hydraulic. The key feature is that they do not brake the rim itself, but the wheel hub, being isolated from the environment. This makes them independent of atmospheric conditions, temperature and condition of the rim.The disadvantages include the high price and complexity of repair and service;

Transmission and number of gears

The mechanism that is responsible for the driving characteristics of a particular bike and allows you to change the load and speed, depending on the operating conditions. The most well-thought-out production mechanisms of Shimano, Alteco and other world-renowned corporations may have up to 28-30 speed adjustments, but they are needed only by professional cyclists. For ordinary urban exploitation of low-end transmission models, equipped with 7-10 different speeds, is more than enough.

When choosing a transmission, which is equipped with a particular bike, attention should be paid to quality, and therefore products from well-known European and Japanese concerns Shimano, Alteco, SRAM are in priority.

Which bike to choose?

For everyday urban exploitation and driving to the place of study or work, there is no point in buying highly specialized expensive models. A classic Citibike with a lightweight aluminum frame, brakes and a Shimano transmission and large wheels with a road tread pattern will be the best option for such operation;
If your goal is pokatushki through the forest or country roads, however, urban exploitation is not excluded, preference should be given to the classic universal bike or an inexpensive mountain model. Big wheels, a well-designed brake system and a multi-stage transmission are sure to be a nice addition;
Professionals who pick up the device for operation in harsh conditions, close to extreme, should pay attention to the top mountain models with a two-suspended frame design, equipped with powerful wheels with a diameter of 27-29 inches, hydraulic disc brakes and a well-designed shock absorption system. Transmission - exceptionally high-quality solutions from Shimano or SRAM;

How much does a bike cost?

Classic models for everyday use in urban mode, the so-called city bikes, start at 10,000 and can reach 50-60 thousand rubles. Children's similar models are cheaper - with the purchase of a quality bike, it is quite possible to keep within 10-12 thousand rubles;
Road bikes are very highly specialized models, and therefore the price for them is appropriate - the start starts from the level of 15-20 thousand rubles and can reach 80-100 thousand;
Professional mountain bikes are the most expensive devices in our ranking. Prices for the best models from well-known manufacturers can reach 400-500 thousand rubles, but it is quite possible to purchase a quality model for 40-60 thousand.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a bike for an adultsecrets choosing a bike for triathlon and features choosing a bike for the city.